Flores takes herself out of contention as Scott's running mate

Miami state Rep. Anitere Flores, one of the most frequently-mentioned names on Republican Rick Scott's list of lieutenant governor options, has taken herself out of the running.

Flores, who turns 34 next week, just won a primary contest for Senate District 38, the seat now held by Sen. Alex Villalobos, said she's not ready to leave the district.

"I’ll just say that, no matter what happens, it’s important for me to stay in my community,'' Flores told the Herald/Times moments before joining Scott, former Gov. Jeb Bush and other prominent Republicans for a unity rally. "I think it's important for Rick and his campaign to make a decision that is the best fit for them and for me it’s important to remain in my community where I can be most helpful to my community."

Flores likes another Scott ally, Sweetwater Mayor Manny Marono, who has been either commissioner or mail of the tiny town of 14,000 since 1995. Says Flores of all the attention: "The best thing is Rick Scott has recognized the importance of South Florida and the importances of Miami Dade."

Scott must announce his running mate by the end of the day Sept. 2. The candidate must be 30 years of age who has lived in the state for the last 7 years.